3D Truss Models

medeek

As I previously mentioned I am slowing working on making all previous version of the plugin available here:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/pluginversions.html

Each new version adds improvements and fixes. Probably at some point once this plugin has fully matured then I might see a good reason to install a previous version, but hopefully I never get to that point where the plugin becomes bloatware.

I suppose the only reason to install a previous version is if you have an expired license and do not wish to upgrade, I can respect that, especially if you only use the plugin on a infrequent basis.

medeek

Starting to work on the straight skeleton algorithm today, complex roofs have got my attention.

The model below has a saddle point and this lends itself to some rather complex framing:

Even with the roof primitives and trim tool, which helped out tremendously, it still took me almost an hour to fully generate the roof framing.

The goal is to turn hours into seconds.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/a2b2efad-71a5-4982-b40b-e7057dd7edf7/Complex-Roof-3

medeek

If you really want a headache try and truss out this same roof outline:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/1e909f8f-b9ca-4b16-a51b-4b9a8f785a1f/Complex-Roof-3-Truss

After about 45 minutes I've given up, not because it can't be done but because the amount of custom truss profiles and manual editing required far exceeds my patience and determination.

On a different note it looks like the extension warehouse is down so I am unable to sign any new revisions to the extensions, I guess 1.9.9b will have to wait.

medeek

Needing a break from the rigors of the straight skeleton code I realized that I have still not implemented the octagon hip roof yet. On a related note the circular roof could also use my attention:

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/1cf9c6bc-46fd-47c6-8aa3-49a8536dc2be/Circular-Roof

The number of rafters can be given by this equation N = 8 + 8n where n = 0,1,2,3,4 etc...

In this model n = 3

People do actually build these things:

medeek

A turret roof:

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/a082e206-881e-424d-aa55-4d5b03913b79/Circular-Roof-2

medeek

Winter is coming...

medeek

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/aaa82eae-af40-4736-b685-431066dddf30/Circular-Roof-3

Using the hip rafter roof as a template it won't be too hard to add the octagon and circular roof, two more checkboxes to fill. I do admit that sometimes I like the low hanging fruit, but it is really the challenging stuff that piques my interest and drives me.

I've had a bit of a cold all night, tempted to call in sick and spend the rest of the day coding but my wife would probably kill me if I did.

medeek

Working on adding in the inset floor joists per the details given by dpaul:

Parameters are the following:

1.) Stemwall Thickness (inset amount)
2.) Ledger Option: Yes or No
3.) Ledger Height
4.) Ledger Width
5.) Hanger Option: Yes or No

I'm still waffling on what to do if the hanger option is "yes". I was considering having the option of selecting one of the many Simpson-Strongtie hangers from a long list of hangers. However, no models exist for the bulk of these hangers and I don't have the time or data to try and model a bunch of them. Item 5 may not be feasible.

I also have a question on the ledger board option:

As you can see in the image the 2x12 PT dimensional lumber ledger is smaller in height (11.25") than the 11-7/8" TJI. In this case would the ledger be run flush to the bottom of the TJI or is this not a concern? I was thinking that one would probably call out an LVL or LSL ledger with felt backing between the ledger and the concrete so that the ledger matches the height of the I-joist. Additional information when the floor joists are I-joists or EWP would be helpful here.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/754bd742-3505-45d4-9941-5f445b49542a/Inset-Floor-Joist-Study

medeek

Someone suggested that I try out Patreon rather than Kickstarter:

https://www.patreon.com/medeek

facer

Medeek,
Interesting approach of having pledges towards a monthly salary that you have set to allow you to
develop your plugins full time.

One question I have is how long do the "Patrons - pledges" last?
Is it set by a time limit or a predetermined stage in your plugin development?

Following with interest, best of luck!

Regards,
Ray

medeek

@facer said:

Medeek,
Interesting approach of having pledges towards a monthly salary that you have set to allow you to
develop your plugins full time.

One question I have is how long do the "Patrons - pledges" last?
Is it set by a time limit or a predetermined stage in your plugin development?

Following with interest, best of luck!

Regards,
Ray

I haven't read through all of the details on Patreon's website but there does not appear to be any time limit on the pledges, each patron can stop their patronage at any time.

Realistically, I am thinking a couple of years should be enough time to advance the development to the stage where the momentum and plugins will carry themselves.

medeek

Version 2.0.0b - 10.01.2017

Enabled roof cladding for shed and shed w/ ledger rafter roofs.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/074ab446-7fa3-439f-aba7-694d3823335f/Shed-Roof-Variants

medeek

Version 2.0.0 - 09.30.2017

Added a hip & ridge option for dutch gable rafter roofs.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/ee54ad84-9428-4e9b-ba7f-ab6e5726660f/Dutch-Gable-Rafter-Roof

Not exactly how I should terminate the hip cap where it meets the gable section of the roof. What I have now seems reasonable enough for presentation and estimating purposes.

Quite a bit of convoluted code to get those sections of hip cap just right, where there is a will there is a way.

medeek

Version 2.0.1 - 10.04.2017

Added (FULL) roof return option within the advanced options menu for common, scissor and vaulted trusses.

medeek

I'm not entirely sure how one frames up a full "greek" return or cornice. When you strip away the sheathing and cladding you can see that my rafters don't line up well with anything:

full return.jpg

medeek

I'm considering selling my plugins and code, I won't divulge the potential buyer(s) but I have really no idea how much it is worth, I suppose that is purely subjective. If you have a suggestion please feel free to message me.

medeek

Version 2.0.1b - 10.06.2017

Added ceiling joist option for Hip Rafter Roofs.

medeek

Inset floor joists for sawn lumber and I-joists is now running, (with and without ledger). I will need to test it further and then roll a new revision:

medeek

Version 2.0.2 - 10.07.2017

Added the option to inset floor joists with ledger.
Added the option to inset floor joists without ledger.

I just realized that today is the two year anniversary of the Truss Plugin, crazy to think that I've already been working on this thing for two years. Progress has been incremental but fairly steady. There are still some big obstacles and goals ahead.

The new inset option also works well if you are using joist pockets in the foundation:

This model was created with the Truss Plugin and the Foundation Plugin. Foundation wall is 8" thick with the pockets set at 2.25" deep and the bearing length of the joists set at 2". The floor sheathing layer is turned off for clarity.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/cfa8f834-6a60-4175-b393-cfa39223c244/TJI-Floor-and-Foundation

pbacot

Great looking work! I don't know how you even did it in 2 years!